Although published in 2010, this useful guide is a great option for anyone looking to set up an online course from scratch, or for an instructor implementing an online curriculum.

Boettcher and Conrad provide a general overview of best teaching practices in Part One, including guidance on creating a supportive community, providing a mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities, asking for feedback, and wrapping up in a meaningful way. Part Two divides the course into various phases of the class, including “course beginning”, “early middle”, “late middle” and “closing weeks” so the reader can easily use the tips and tools that most match the phase he/she is teaching. The authors give thought-provoking questions throughout that the teacher can think about as part of the course, or use in the class to spur on critical thinking and creating community.

Having taught online classes, I can say that the advice, tips, scholarship, and focus are all useful from day one and many of the items that I have used within my classroom have worked well and have added value and to the students’ successes.

Reference librarians will work with you to customize an instruction session to your students’ knowledge, skills, and research topics. Skills and concepts that can be covered include:

Search strategies: how to turn a research question into keywords; how to narrow or broaden searches

Use of a variety of source types, both electronic and print

Source evaluation: differentiating among scholarly, popular, and trade publications; verifying information’s accuracy and authority; identifying what types of information may be found in particular sources

There is now a new and convenient way for ECC Faculty to request library & research instruction! Simply fill out our new electronic form and an ECC Librarian will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm your time or offer an alternative time if necessary.